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As WP's senior editor, I edit review and preview articles, attempt to keep up with the frantic pace of Rainier's news posts, and keep our reviewers on deadline, which is akin to herding cats. When I have a moment to myself and don't have my nose in a book, I like to play action/RPG, adventure and platforming games.

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'Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel' (PS2) Flies Into Stores

Square Enix announced today that Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel is now available at retail outlets nationwide. This action role-playing game is exclusively for the PS2. Fullmetal Alchemist expands the story of the popular anime series, which airs on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming. The tale follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric on their quest to right the mistakes of their past.

Edward Elric is a genius alchemist. He and his younger brother Alphonse attempted to raise their mother from the dead, a forbidden act that cost Edward his left leg and Alphonse his entire body. Immediately after the accident, Edward was able to sacrifice his right arm to save Alphonse’s soul and bind it to a suit of armor. The action begins as the two brothers board a train to Central City in search of the “Philosopher’s Stone,” the only object that can return them to their natural states.

Based on the wildly popular anime and manga series in Japan, Fullmetal Alchemist has made its way to America beginning with episodic programming on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim. The series spans 51 episodes in a story that ranges from tear-jerking drama to gut-busting comedy. The anime series has been extremely well received by fans and media alike, and a DVD release is set for February 8, 2005, from FUNimation Productions, Ltd.

Fullmetal Alchemist for the PlayStation 2 expands the anime series’ sweeping storyline and is accompanied by fast-paced gameplay in which players can transmute objects into weapons for use in battle. The story takes place during a “lost chapter” from the anime series during the Elric brothers’ journey to Central. Featuring fully animated cut-scenes and in-game graphics with the same dazzling aesthetics of the TV series, the game ties in seamlessly with its anime counterpart. The key to gameplay lies in utilizing the environment; over 50 transmutable objects ranging from trees to trash cans litter the landscape, and Edward’s alchemy can transform these everyday objects into fantastic weapons. In addition to controlling Edward, players can also equip Alphonse with various items and call him to assist
during heated battles.

Fullmetal Alchemist has a suggested retail price of U.S. $39.99 and is rated "T" (Teen).